"I'd been meaning to tell you something for a long while, mamma: did you know that Levin meant to make Kitty an offer when he was here the last time? He told Stiva so.

" "Well, what then? I don't understand..." "So did Kitty perhaps refuse him?... She didn't tell you so?" "No, she has said nothing to me either of one or the other; she's too proud.

But I know it's all on account of the other.

" "Yes, but suppose she has refused Levin, and she wouldn't have refused him if it hadn't been for the other, I know.

And then, he has deceived her so horribly.